Day 1: Arrive in Los Mochis, Mexico - El Fuerte

Today we arrive in Los Mochis and transfer to the 16th Century colonial town of El Fuerte, the Gateway to the Copper Canyon. El Fuerte was founded in 1564 by the Spanish conquistador Don Francisco de Ibarra, the first explorer of the lofty western Sierra Madre mountains. In 1610 a fort was built to ward off the fierce Zuaque and Tehueco indians, who constantly harrased the Spaniards. El Fuerte was the gateway to the last frontiers of northern indian territories of Sonora, Arizona and California. Stroll through the quintessential colonial plaza with its towering palms, browse the colourful local market, and view ornate architecture while learning of the past and present significance of this historic fort on the old "Camino Real." * UK / European participants will likely have to spend one night in Mexico City en route, the cost of which is included in our AIR price. We regret that, regardless of origin, air choices into this region are very limited and routings are often unavoidably convoluted. Overnight in El Fuerte. Hotel El Fuerte or similar.

Day 2: The world-famous Chihuahua al Pacifico Train

Today we board our (first-class) train to Posada Barrancas, featuring the most spectacular portion of the train ride, including the Septentrion Gorge and the loops at Temoris. We enjoy lunch on the train, with some of the best rail scenery in the world outside your window. Officially known as the Chihuahua al Pacifico, this is one of the most spectacular and awe-inspiring rail journeys in the Western Hemisphere, maybe the world. Travelling through coastal shrub, fertile valleys, pine forests, high desert, and next to towering canyon walls, incredible vistas, sheer drop-offs, flowing waterfalls, and over bridges and through tunnels numerous times, it's no wonder this train journey has been referred to as the "train ride in the sky". The rail trip from Los Mochis to Chihuahua has 36 major bridges and 87 tunnels. The train follows a tortuous route from sea level to a maximum elevation of more than 2424 m / 8,000 feet at its highest point. On arrival, we transfer to the Hotel Mansion Tarahumara, just steps from the canyon rim--a great location for scenic walks and exploration. A nearby spot to visit is the "Cueva del Chino," a cave dwelling still in use by Raramuri Indians. NOTE: Due to logistical reasons and limited hotel availability, the final order of overnight points may vary from this itinerary, though overall content will remain the same. Overnight at Mansion Tarahumara (or similar).

Day 3: Hiking on the Rim

Today our MODERATE hike follows the rim southeast past Raramuri dwellings and fields before arriving at El Puerto, a little-known but fabulous overlook that makes a great place for lunch. From here we explore further along the rim before returning to the hotel. (4-5 hours). A NOTE ABOUT SUITABILITY: We grade this HIKING tour as MODERATE with some limited terrain that can be considered STRENUOUS. For any trek at this level, fitness is important and you may have to improve yours before departure. These hikes are equivalent to extended walking in mountainous terrain at home, at altitudes up to 2100 m (7,000 feet); climate and remoteness can also play a part. Walking days are usually between 4 to 7 hours Previous trekking experience is desirable but not essential if you are confident of your physical condition. Overnight at Mansion Tarahumara (or similar).

Day 4: Posada Barrancas - Creel

This morning we have a vehicle excursion featuring great overlooks and Raramuri handicrafts shopping at Piedra Volada, Las Escaleras and Divisadero. This afternoon we travel by road to Creel and the Sierra Lodge, rustic luxury in the center of great hiking around Cusarare. Note: the lodge does NOT have electricity, but we do not think you will miss it with the great ambiance of kerosene lamps, fireplaces, wood stoves--and plenty of hot water! Overnight at Sierra Lodge (preferred accommodation).

Day 5: Hiking Cusarare

Cusarare is blessed with a great variety of trails that allow access not only natural beauty, but a chance to observe the lifestyles of the Raramuri who live in this area. As such, you will have a better chance to have "real" (non-touristic) interactions with Raramuri than you would if you didn't leave the beaten path. Our MODERATE hike today takes us to Cusarare Waterfall. There are a variety of routes to see the beautiful waterfalls at Cusarare--the shortest track takes only 45 minutes from the hotel, but this can be extended by returning via a nearby mesa. We will take a picnic lunch with us to enjoy at the base of the falls--a lovely place to linger. (3-5 hours) Overnight at Sierra Lodge (preferred accommodation).

Day 6: Train to Bahuichivo & Cerocahui Area

We relax and enjoy a wonderful breakfast at the Sierra Lodge before leaving in mid-morning for Creel where we will catch the westbound (first-class) train to Bahuichivo. There we will be met and taken to the Hotel Paraiso del Oso (preferred accommodation), a homey lodge situated in a picturesque mountain valley. Time permitting, we take a short hike to the "Cave of the Crosses," an interesting and anthropologically significant former Raramuri cave dwelling. Overnight near Cerocahui.

Day 7: Hiking the Cerocahui Region

After breakfast, we enjoy a half-day cultural and canyon rim vehicle excursion, with stops in Cerocahui to visit a Raramuri boarding school and the old mission church, and then overlooks at Palestina Canyon and Cerro Gallegos, generally considered to be the most dramatic canyon rim overlook in the Copper Canyon. Our hike today is more strenuous but very rewarding. El Cajon to Rancho Victoriano and Durazno: A great hike that leads to the box canyon at El Cajon, then climbs steeply for a great overlook of Rancho Victoriano before dropping down to Durazno, home to Don Ildefonso and Dona Virginia, Raramuri friends of ours. After a visit with them, enjoy the walk back to the hotel following rock faces and ridgelines. A very satisfying day! (5-7 hours). Overnight near Cerocahui.

Day 8: Train to El Fuerte

This morning is free to enjoy a leisurely breakfast, with time after to perhaps hike up nearby rock formations. This PM we return by road to Bahuichivo where board our (first-class) train to El Fuerte. Overnight at Hotel El Fuerte (preferred accommodation).

Day 9: Departure

Departure from Los Mochis. BUEN VIAJE!

Tour Highlights

Fantastic vistas, world's largest canyon; Scenic easy-moderate walks; First class rail journeys on Chihuahua al Pacifico Railway; Raramuri indigenous culture and history.

Inclusions

Breakfast and dinner daily (hotels and local restaurants); 2 lunches. All transport, sightseeing and entrance fees for sites noted as 'visited' in the detailed itinerary.

Exclusions

Most lunches, drinks, personal items (phone, laundry, etc), departure taxes, and international air taxes (if applicable). Airport transfers (affordable shared transfers available upon request). Optional trip cancellation insurance. Tipping is usually expected from local guides, drivers, porters and restaurant staff. As a rough estimate for your tipping budget, please consider about $30-35 USD a week. Your Compass Tour Leader can advise the appropriate amount. Please also note that this tip budget does not include your Compass Tour Leader. This tip is purely at your discretion, but most travelers do so at approximately $5=10 USD a day.

Seasonality Weather

MARCH: March is generally dry, and overnight lows up high rarely go below freezing. Evenings are very cool, and it can turn cold should it rain. Low temps can reach 4 C / 40 F and highs can be in the 20s C / 70s F, depending on elevation. OCTOBER: It will generally be 20°F warmer on the canyon floor than on the rim. Daytime temperatures in Batopilas during these months range from 20-25 C / 70-80s F; in Creel they range from teens C / 50-60 F. AUGUST: Is hotter, but this is the beautiful green season in the canyon.

transport & travel conditions

Road transport provided by mini-van or 'Suburban' type vehicles depending on group size. Some journeys involve vehicular travel over rough, winding roads. The Chihuahua al Pacífico train track has been repaired and brought up to industry standards. This assures added security, comfort, and speed for the passenger trains. There are some easy-moderate walks that, though optional, are an integral part of experiencing the highlights of this region. Some reasonable level of physical fitness and steadiness on one's feet is important for the participant to fully and comfortably enjoy such tour activities. Max elevation 2100m / 7000 ft.

Accommodation

Simple, mid-range (3-star), rustic yet clean and comfortable hotels / lodges with en suite toilet and bath throughout (probably shower only). Single rooms are limited and likely smaller than doubles. Hotel porter service is sometimes available (see 'Inclusions') though you should be independent with your luggage.

Staff and Support

Local Tour Leader, driver/s.

Group Size

10 to 16 (plus Tour Leader)